I never read friends’ reviews before starting a book for some bizarro unfounded fear I have of accidentally plagiarizing their stuff, but I do occasioI never read friends’ reviews before starting a book for some bizarro unfounded fear I have of accidentally plagiarizing their stuff, but I do occasionally take a peek at their ratings and absolutely was going to start my thoughts here with Joan is Okay is . . . okay (just like my friend Michelle did!).
So the story here is about, you guessed it, Joan. It’s partially about the grieving (or lack thereof) process, partially about the immigrant experience, partially about being a woman of a certain age who has no children or partner, partially about competing in a male dominant industry, partially about family and home, partially about Covid, and just a titch of snide humor (which Joan, I’m sure, isn’t even aware she has). It’s told in a free association sort of style with no punctuation indicating dialogue, no chapter breaks, etc. And it���s . . . okay. I read this because it popped up on some of the “Must Reads of 2022” lists. I’m just not smart enough to get what makes this one so special, I guess.
My main complaint (I’ve read enough Cormac McCarthy that the lack of quotation marks will never be an issue for me) was that Joan started off as an obviously “quirky” character – who noted every person she came across by height and weight, mimicked facial expressions and hand gestures because she was unsure of her own, found solace in “friendships” with anthropomorphized objects like the Roomba or the hospital ECMO, was unintentionally funny at times as mentioned above, etc. But then that stopped. And I'm not exactly sure why . Joan had had no epiphany . . . it was like the author either forgot about or simply tired of her own gimmick.
Strangely enough, the things I liked most about this were the mundane items I would normally complain about. Descriptions of food and language and particularly Covid. Go figure ; )
A pox upon the houses of everyone involved with the titling/marketing of this as some sort of Christmas romcom! Ugggggh! You did this oh so
[image]
A pox upon the houses of everyone involved with the titling/marketing of this as some sort of Christmas romcom! Ugggggh! You did this oh so very lovely book such a disservice. While there did end up being a kiss under the mistletoe, this had a much more than a simple romp in the manger to offer and I totally understand why some have complained it was a sort of bait and switch from what they had been expecting. Luckily I have read (and loved) this author before and knew she would provide much more meat on the Christmas roast than other seasonal offerings.
The story here is of Eleanor who is gathering with her former boarding school chums for a week-long reunion prior to two of them getting married. The last time they were together was after the tragic loss of one of their group and where Nory did a diddle that she would like to pretend she never did with another of their pals.
I’d call this part Four Weddings and a Funeral and part The Big Chill (and if you know me you know I’m ALWAYS looking for something that gives me The Big Chill vibes). There’s some seriousness with respect to talk of race and class, as well as some melancholy, but there’s also plenty of laughs . . .
“Tell me about him.”
“He’s the gardner . . .”
“Oh, Lady Chatterley! I do say!”
“I knew you’d say that.”
And love.
Per usual, the third act breakup made me want to punch everyone around me in the face and I also thought this was probably nearly 100 pages too long. But still. It made my Grinch heart grow three sizes and I felt like I made some new friends.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley!...more
^^^Oh look, it’s an image of me with my Currently Reading stack. At this point I’m afraid to even look and see how many things I’m supposed
[image]
^^^Oh look, it’s an image of me with my Currently Reading stack. At this point I’m afraid to even look and see how many things I’m supposedly still trying to finish. (In case you don’t know me – I only read one book at a time, but at this point in the year it usually says I’m reading 50 or 60 at once because I suck at posting timely reviews).
I’m going to keep this one short and sweet. It’s been two years since the Sophie Foundation added a new member to their elite rankings, but Jessa might be just what the club is looking for. Gabby can’t leave the suspicious “suicide” of her husband alone – which is making her the prime suspect by the police in what would have been a closed case. Eventually these two former college classmates’ paths will cross again.
Okay, so I’ll be the first to admit that revenge stories just really aren’t my jam. That being said, I thought this was one of the better ones I’ve read. The very obvious motive could have been disclosed about a billion pages sooner and I could always live without soap opera drama (in this case the daughter that was simply thrown in for a *gasp* twist and everything that had anything to do with that part of the storyline). I previously gave this author a 1 Star so I’m glad I enjoyed this one. I’ll eventually get around to Pretty Little Wife....more
Dannnnnnng y’all. I sure hope Santa wasn’t relying on my Christmas spirit to get his sleigh to fly! How can the fake dating trope end up a flop for meDannnnnnng y’all. I sure hope Santa wasn’t relying on my Christmas spirit to get his sleigh to fly! How can the fake dating trope end up a flop for me??? Wellllllll lemme tell you - unlikeable characters, no story (and we’re talking a holiday romcom so it’s not like I expected a whole lot) and instalove with zero chemistry) to name a few things. ⭐️⭐️ and back to the murder books I go!
Lily has spent her whole life trying to keep her mother as calm as possible. While her brother, sister and even father are the ones to put her on edge – triggering both emotional and physical outbursts – it is Lily’s job to maintain peace. She’s done everything from taste testing the three-day-old-expired juice mother prefers to dying her hair and wearing colored contacts to appear as Asian as possible in an attempt to keep her sated. Now only eight weeks before the term will begin at Oxford, Lily is counting down to her getaway. But Lily’s starting to have some breaks from reality and flashbacks from a past she’s not sure are from her own life . . . .
This one gets all of its points for being unique. Once again I’m not loving the comparison to My Dark Vanessa being thrown out (I’m assuming at this point Vanessa is the new Gone Girl from the Window of the Train), but if you’re talking in generalities only maybe Bad Fruit passes the sniff test (hyuck hyuck). Don’t go in expecting some thrilling thrillride – however, if you want a sleeper of a literary domestic this one may be up your alley.
3.5 Stars
Merged review:
Really the only thing you need to know before picking up Bad Fruit is . . . .
Lily has spent her whole life trying to keep her mother as calm as possible. While her brother, sister and even father are the ones to put her on edge – triggering both emotional and physical outbursts – it is Lily’s job to maintain peace. She’s done everything from taste testing the three-day-old-expired juice mother prefers to dying her hair and wearing colored contacts to appear as Asian as possible in an attempt to keep her sated. Now only eight weeks before the term will begin at Oxford, Lily is counting down to her getaway. But Lily’s starting to have some breaks from reality and flashbacks from a past she’s not sure are from her own life . . . .
This one gets all of its points for being unique. Once again I’m not loving the comparison to My Dark Vanessa being thrown out (I’m assuming at this point Vanessa is the new Gone Girl from the Window of the Train), but if you’re talking in generalities only maybe Bad Fruit passes the sniff test (hyuck hyuck). Don’t go in expecting some thrilling thrillride – however, if you want a sleeper of a literary domestic this one may be up your alley.
For years I’ve referred to Matthew Quick as Matthew Quirk – unintentionally to start (I am the girl who thought Riley Sager was a female for like fourFor years I’ve referred to Matthew Quick as Matthew Quirk – unintentionally to start (I am the girl who thought Riley Sager was a female for like four books, after all) – and then on purpose because he does tend to lean into the quirky when it comes to his characters and/or plotlines.
The story here is about Lucas. Lucas has been struggling through the grieving process after losing his wife to a mass shooting at the local movie house. Lucas was deemed a hero, but all he knows is he didn’t save 17 people and thank heavens his beloved wife still visits him in her angel form. In an attempt to make his way out of the darkness, he writes his former Jungian analyst Karl, cohabitates with his deceased wife’s best friend and offers his back yard as shelter to Eli, a young man who has been ostracized due to his relationship with the shooter.
But Lucas and Eli have a plan to fix the town . . .
“You didn’t say you wanted them to star in a monster movie about the shooting that killed all of their loved ones.”
“It’s a metaphor that’s designed to heal!”
As I said, Matthew Quirk. This is a dark novel written by an author experiencing one of the darkest times of his life. But as Florence and her Machine so eloquently stated . . . .
I don’t know how I came to request this from the library, but I’m not happy with whatever version of Kelly it was that cost me the hours I’ll never geI don’t know how I came to request this from the library, but I’m not happy with whatever version of Kelly it was that cost me the hours I’ll never get back from reading it.
Things started with what seemed to be a revenge tale where the leading lady is plotting something against the boy who took advantage of her back in high school …. but all she does is gives him blue balls.
Her husband is a control freak and turning abusive so she’s going to kill him … with the help of her new tenant renting the carriage house … who just happens to be the boy from high school.
Oof. I’ll give the author credit for being ballsy enough to take on the house swap trope a la The Holiday, but she had to know how much taking on a hoOof. I’ll give the author credit for being ballsy enough to take on the house swap trope a la The Holiday, but she had to know how much taking on a holiday favorite would open her up for criticism. Here’s a brief list of things I hated:
1. Zero plot aside from the borrowed trope.
2. Well there were pitiful attempts like a mother with Alzheimer’s and a son who was more than willing to ignore her with one of the couples and a controlling family with a controlling girlfriend whose warning signs the female lead was more than willing to ignore with the other couple.
3. Carys. *vomit emojis forever*
4. Kitchen sink Covid hobbies like bullet journaling and “plant mom life” (*shudder*) that added nothing to the nonexistent story.
5. Instabanging but no chemistry.
6. Speaking of - waaaaay too graphic sex for unsuspecting victims who simply fall for all cartoony cover holiday books.
7. A Jewish character just for the sake of trying to be inclusive? I mean they threw a one day “Chanukah” booze party but included zero religious or food or gift traditions??? Don’t even bother with that half-assery.
8. Two weeks and these idjits are upending their entire lives for each other? Especially when they both seem to be pretty co-dependent to begin with and are trying to break the habit.
Stevie turned their relationship with Sola into a science experiment (and even worse) and now has a deadline of midnight to complete the gr
[image]
Stevie turned their relationship with Sola into a science experiment (and even worse) and now has a deadline of midnight to complete the grandest of grand gestures and win her back.
Kaz has loved Porsha since forever and needs to poo or get off the pot and potentially miss his chance of being more than just friends.
Evan-Rose finds herself stuck in the airport with her ex(ish) girlfriend Van … and her Summer fling Eric.
Jordyn and Omari haven’t really spoken since a kids almost a year ago, but have been trapped in the same car together for over eleven hours now.
Jimmi is trying to keep her band together when she has an unexpected run-in with her first kiss.
Ava and Mason who have recently broken up because high school sweethearts can’t last forever, right?
These intertwined characters are all attempting to make it through a historic Atlanta snowstorm as connected vignettes. Similar to the film version of Let It Snow and completely satisfactory for the teen in your life … or the oldster if they’re like me and still like to dabble in YA. I’ll definitely be checking out Blackout by this same author combo and if this ever becomes a movie I guarantee I would watch it twelve thousand times.
I’ll be honest and say Luckiest Girl Alive probably wouldn’t have even made it to my TBR if I hadn’t been scrolling through Netflix (finally learned how to use the TV this year, so yay me) and saw the title/Mila Kunis’ face and thought “was that a book? I think that was a book?” So I went to the library and immediately downloaded the Kindle version – foregoing the movie for the time being.
Maybe it’s because I went into this blind that I thought it was so great? Maybe it’s because I’m prone to dislike things lately and I had low expectations after seeing the aforementioned friend rating? Maybe it’s because I’ve read so many “dark” or “twisty” things that failed to be either dark or twisty? Who knows? All I know is I rarely give 5 Stars and this one is getting all of them.
I’m not going to give much away here since I knew zero before beginning. The only thing I’ll say is this is the story of Ani as we approach her wedding day. Ani is a girl who has finally made it – the body, the boy, the money, the clothes and the lifestyle she has always dreamed of are finally hers. She’s an unlikeable narrator for most – but those tend to be my favorite. And there’s a reason behind her attitude, you’ll just have to read (or watch the upcoming documentary she’ll be featured in) to find out.
So again, loved Ani (and yes her given name of TifAni was barftastic, but that was her thirsty-to-be-rich-and-trendy mother’s fault, not hers). Her voice was so fresh and her story (although one that has been told before) felt completely fresh as well. And when it comes to twists? Oh, I NEVER saw what was coming.
(Oh, and I ended up watching the movie after I finished the book - it was good too and cut out some of the "noise" regarding the teacher I could have lived without in the paper format.)...more
At this point I think it’s safe to say I’ll read anything that even hints to having some sort of “cultish” mindset attached to it. The twists and revelations here weren’t anything I couldn’t’ see coming, but it was a satisfactory read and, unfortunately, the big law firm stuff regarding being top dog one day only to quite possibly sink right back to the bottom of the barrel should your productivity fall off was pretty much spot on....more
In addition to my house cover addiction, I have to confess that if you put “kill” in the title, there’s about a 112% chance Imma want to read it. If fIn addition to my house cover addiction, I have to confess that if you put “kill” in the title, there’s about a 112% chance Imma want to read it. If for no other reason than to carry it around the office so others can see it while waiting for their turn at the coffee bar or the copy machine . . . .
Last week I read How to Kill Men and Get Away With It, then I read this, and coming soon it’s Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone. Ahhhhhhh, it’s like hanging out with my besties.
This selection was absolutely a had me at hello with the premise of triplets who spend their free time murdering their boyfriends. And having it not be all about the gore or twists and turns was once again super satisfying to my hate-everything lately self.
Sissy has always had the role of the “cleaner” when it comes to her sisters’ shenanigans, but now it’s her turn. She’s identified her mark and now has a maximum of six months to make him fall in love with her before offing him, disposing of his body and moving on to the next. It’s her time and she’s ready . . . until she starts catching some feels.
This slow roller didn’t include a lot of shock and awe, but it kept me engaged right from the jump and I read it in a day. There was a bit of jumping of the shark with the added neighbor narrative muddying up the waters, but for the most part I really enjoyed this one. 3.5 Stars and rounding up because I’m full of the holiday spirit.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. ...more
Did I totally take my Bookstagram photo in my firm’s law library/coffee bar surrounded by a bunch of dudes standing in line for their afternoon pick-me-up from the fancy barrista machine??? You bet your Birkin I did!
And now for what I have to say about the actual book. Cover? 27 out of 10. Title? Fifty’leven out of 10. Content??? Wellllllllll, let’s summarize this one in song, shall we? ♬♪♬ Grab your coat and get your hat – suspend all disbelief at the doorstep ♬♪♬
The story here is about “it” girl Kitty. Social media influencer by day and serial killer whenever the need arises. “Kitty’s Code” lays out a clear set of Dexter-esque rules where only the most deserving of uggos are the ones to get whacked.
Sounds great, right? Well, maybe it works better for those who believe you can cart out an entire grownass dismembered dead man in a Balenciaga shopping bag easy breezy beautiful Cover Girl style without ever breaking a sweat, leaving a drippy trail or struggling nary a bit to heave it past the doorman. Or maybe you didn’t like sausage rolls to begin with and can tolerate this “vegan” beating you over the head about how the mincer at the local pork processing plant is the best way to turn your latest victim into upscale pigs in blankets. Or maybe the add-in stalker and big reveal will be more your jam. Unfortunately for me, by the end of this one I was pretty bored.
@girlwiththepinkskimask wasn’t lying, kids. This right’chere was a real Bangersaurus Rex! There I was reading literal masturbatory gingerbread Christm@girlwiththepinkskimask wasn’t lying, kids. This right’chere was a real Bangersaurus Rex! There I was reading literal masturbatory gingerbread Christmas stories while she has been attempting to do God’s work and recommending this sucker on the daily.
Let’s start off with some full disclosure: I requested every single Christmas romcom from NetGalley that was available. I did not read blurbs, I did not look at Goodreads’ ratings or reviews. I just went in knowing I wanted a heaping plate as well as seconds and thirds when it came to smooching under the mistletoe. I had no idea Holiday Romance would end up pretty much a “had me at hello” moment when the two leads (acquaintances via him - whose girlfriend is about to break up with him and her - who is friends with said soon-to-be ex) are seated next to each other on their flight back home for the holidays. Then they coincidentally meet AGAIN for their flight the next year. You know what that is????
That’s the ol’ “When Harry Met Sally” and it is a favorite.
So long story short, ten years have gone by with these two travellers occupying each other’s space for their hop back across the pond for the holidays. She’s the grumpy, he’s the sunshine. When flights get cancelled she decides to let her Grinch heart grow three sizes and uses all of her banked up frequent flyer miles to do whatever it takes in order to get him back home to his family in time for Christmas. And then she starts catching feelings.
This one will make you feel all floopy inside. The banter is great, the smex isn’t squickalicious, the “break up” in the third act only lasts about twelve nanoseconds. Go get it.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley! ...more
Sort of a waste of a really cute premise. Whatever her name was gets plowed over by the Christmas bus and gets a chance for a re-do if she
[image]
Sort of a waste of a really cute premise. Whatever her name was gets plowed over by the Christmas bus and gets a chance for a re-do if she can match up half a dozen couples before her expiration date rolls around again. Unfortunately it’s halfway through the story before the matchmaking even begins and very little effort is spent by the lead even making said sparks fly. They are either the one who got away, a current crush or happy accidents that happen almost instantly and the details are left completely off page. I wanted to get to know the couples and was prepared for some slapstick sort of delivery while whatshername attempted to play Cupid. Instead we spent a whole lot of time pining over her real douchecanoe of a boyfriend she’s trying to keep from dumping her (while an obvious rebound guy is waiting in the wings) and hear all about how “quirky” she was with her mismatched wardrobe and unfortunate haircut. Bah humbug.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley!...more
I have been ride or die with Joe Goldberg since I received You as an ARC. I have defended his crazy, defended the readers who love him, def
[image]
I have been ride or die with Joe Goldberg since I received You as an ARC. I have defended his crazy, defended the readers who love him, defended Kepnes for writing such a despicable character we can’t get enough of. But sadly this one was simply turrrrrrible. I’m going to give it a pass, though, because nearly everything written during the time of the dilemma was pretty horrible and I’ll simply await the next one....more
All we wanted was a place to call our own. To have something that belonged to us. What we got was our lives and homes ripped into bloody shreds.
AAll we wanted was a place to call our own. To have something that belonged to us. What we got was our lives and homes ripped into bloody shreds.
Amy, Liz, Jess, and Melissa are your average suburban moms. They do all their mom duties on the daily – counting down until they can swill boxed wine and get a break from their husbands and kids. The gals are moving on up courtesy of . . .
A mom’s only clubhouse? Talk about the perfect escape . . . or it could have been perfect had the groundbreaking ceremony not unleashed a demonic entity into the neighbourhood.
Okay, are you looking for something light? Are you interested in horror, but skeeeeeeered of being too scurrrrred? This one may be for you. I love a good comedy/horror mashup and this one was a lot of fun.
Seriously, though, NonFiction November forces my dumb ass to add some #smort things to my annual recap and for that I am truly thankful. I read High Risers a couple of weeks ago and said all the facts and figures just weren’t for me. I immediately requested this one from the library and am happy to say it was exactly what I was looking for. I need stories about the people who live in the place rather than simply the place itself and these vignettes of the lives of those who resided in Chicago public housing delivered. It even included several who were mentioned/featured in High Risers. Certainly not a feel good read, but completely authentic and brutally honest.
Kelly (and the Book Boar)
>
Books:
read-in-2022
(226)
Loading...
